COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONAmber ale aged in whiskey barrels. Sophisticated. Surprising. Tasty. Our Looping Owl is a medium bodied Amber Ale, brewed with Maris Otter Malt and Northern Brewer & Golding Hops, then aged in Grand Traverse Distillery Whiskey Barrels. A masterfully balanced and satisfying flavor with a slight ’whiskey kick’ and surprising hint of Oak. The owl may be the wisest bird in the forest, but even he needs to kick back and take a break every once in a while.

22 ounce bottle
This barrel aged amber ale is a fine offering from Right Brain. The nice balance keeps the whiskey from completely taking over. If this is a regular then grab one when you are in southern Michigan as an example of what the state can produce.

Aroma / Appearance - Cheery red fluid flows around the glass. The carbonated base opens up to a crisp white head. Chestnuts, mild whiskey, and malty iced tea are a slight bit boozy. Overall though the balance is solid.

Flavor / Palate - Whiskey is more evident in the first sip. Vanilla, cream soda, and melted Twix fill the palate with sweetness. The barrel aging process takes the edge off yet leaves the core of the beer intact. I’d pick up another release from Right Brain in a heartbeat if they came across the Michigan border.

Bottle from the brewery. Pours a murky brown with no real head. Aroma that reminds me of slightly tart fruit and darker, dusty malts. Flavor was a mix of more tartness, a little dry earth and a little booze at the end. Okay but seemed disjointed.

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